A Confidence-Building 3-Day Workshop
April 23–25, 2027 | Flowery Branch, Georgia
3 Days • Only 6 Students • $650
Zippers don’t have to feel intimidating.
Join industry expert Donna Cash for three days of calm, hands-on instruction designed to help you understand, practice, and confidently use professional zipper techniques in pillows, bedding, cushions, and more.
If zippers have felt intimidating, I’ll guide you through each technique, one step at a time.
Master Zipper Techniques You Can Use Again and Again
Have you ever struggled to insert a zipper neatly—or avoided a project because the zipper felt overwhelming?
Donna will guide you step by step through practical zipper applications using invisible and regular zippers. You’ll learn techniques for working beside welt cord, decorative braid, brush fringe, and other design details.
Once you understand the process, you’ll be able to apply these skills to many future projects.
As Donna always says, “Practice makes perfect. You can do this!”
What You’ll Learn
- Professional methods for inserting invisible and regular zippers
- How to place zippers beside welt cord and decorative trims
- Techniques for pillows, bedding, cushions, and other home décor projects
- How to troubleshoot common zipper problems
- Creative ways to make a zipper part of the design
- How to apply your new skills with greater confidence
You’ll have time to practice, ask questions, and receive personal guidance throughout the workshop.
Who This Workshop Is For
This workshop is designed for creative sewing enthusiasts and professionals who already know how to use a sewing machine but want more confidence working with zippers.
Whether you sew for your own home or for clients, you’ll leave with practical techniques you can use again and again.
Workshop Details
Dates: April 23–25, 2027
Time: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. on Days 1 and 2; Day 3 ends by 4:00 p.m.
Location: Designs by Donna, 5837 McEver Road, Flowery Branch, GA 30542
Class Size: Limited to six students
Workshop Price: $650
Your first payment of $325 reserves your seat. The remaining $325 will be charged automatically to the same payment method one month after registration.
SCHEDULE
DAY ONE — Zipper Foundations
Arrival: Students may arrive between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m.
After introductions and setup, Donna will demonstrate her methods for several professional zipper applications. You’ll begin practicing each technique with Donna nearby to guide you, answer questions, and help you troubleshoot.
Lunch: One-hour break at 12:30 p.m.
End time: Approximately 4:30–5:00 p.m.
DAY TWO — Practice and Application
You’ll continue building your zipper skills and begin applying the techniques to pillow projects. Donna will help you strengthen your accuracy, understand the order of construction, and create polished results.
You’ll also learn how to adapt these same methods for duvet covers, cushions, and other home décor projects.
Start time: 8:30 a.m.
Lunch: One-hour break at 12:30 p.m.
End time: Approximately 4:00–4:30 p.m.
DAY THREE — Creative Zipper Design
Now it’s time to think beyond a basic closure.
Donna will show you how zippers can become an intentional design feature. You’ll explore advanced applications and creative details that can turn a simple pillow into something distinctive and one-of-a-kind.
This final day gives you additional time to practice, combine techniques, and build confidence with Donna’s guidance.
Start time: 8:30 a.m.
Lunch: One-hour break at 12:30 p.m.
End time: No later than 4:00 p.m.
You’ll practice professional zipper techniques as you make five 18-inch pillow covers. Bring fabrics you enjoy and your familiar sewing tools. If zippers make you nervous, I’ll guide you through each technique and help you along the way.
STUDENT SUPPLY LIST
FABRIC SHOPPING LIST
Bring at least ¾ yard of fabric per pillow—3¾ yards total for five covers. Choose one fabric for all five or different fabrics for each.
Choose fabrics that are easy to handle and stitch; very heavy upholstery fabrics may be too bulky. Large pattern repeats or matching may require additional fabric. A little extra is always welcome—it gives you room to practice, play, and try again!
SUPPLIES
• Two #3 invisible zippers, at least 20 inches long.
• Three #4.5 regular zippers, at least 20 inches long.
• Five 20-inch pillow inserts to finish your covers in class.
• 2½ yards of brush fringe to coordinate with your fabric.
• Coordinating thread.
• Notebook and pen or pencil.
I’ll supply welt cord. A limited selection of zippers may be available for purchase, but please plan to bring your own.
TOOLS
SEWING MACHINES
Industrial sewing machines will be available. You’re welcome to bring your own machine if you’re more comfortable using it. Bring its power cord, foot control, bobbins, suitable needles, regular sewing foot, zipper foot, invisible zipper foot if you have one, and instruction manual.
A limited number of domestic machines will also be available. Please contact me after registering if you’d like to reserve one.
Bring your fabric uncut. We’ll explore proportions, placement, and cutting together.
Build Your Skills. Create with Confidence.
You already know how to sew. Now it’s time to stop avoiding zippers and learn techniques that make sense.
With hands-on guidance every step of the way, you’ll practice, ask questions, solve problems, and discover what you’re capable of creating.
Only six seats are available.
By attending this workshop, you agree to allow Designs by Donna to take photographs or videos of you for marketing and promotional purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t Join Me for This Workshop?
You Can Still Learn With Me.
If a three-day hands-on workshop isn’t right for you right now, you can still learn with me from home.
Inside the Designs by Donna Membership, you’ll find step-by-step classes, practical resources, weekly Live Q&A, and a supportive community to help you continue building your skills and confidence.
